What ICD-10 codes are used for gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, radiation, allergens, or toxins can cause it. Accurate coding is essential for managing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, and ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement.
A09 – Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
This code is used when infectious gastroenteritis or infectious colitis is present, but the specific organism hasn't been identified. It includes terms like infectious gastroenteritis NOS, infectious colitis NOS, and infectious enteritis NOS. Common causes include contaminated food, bacterial foodborne infections, and norovirus infections, especially in individuals with weak immune systems. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code.
K52.9 – Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
Used when noninfective gastroenteritis or colitis is diagnosed but the cause is unclear, this code applies to conditions like colitis NOS, enteritis NOS, and gastroenteritis NOS. It may be associated with allergic or dietary gastroenteritis, radiation exposure, or toxic reactions. Symptoms often include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. This is also a billable code.